A Bushey park is closed off at night to prevent criminal damage, a politician has warned after a man was impaled on the railings at the weekend.

A man in his 20s suffered injuries to his buttocks and was taken to hospital at 5.15am on Sunday after becoming impaled at the entrance of Hertsmere Borough Council’s Mary Forsdyke Gardens, off Warren Road.

Emergency services attended the incident and had to free the man with cutting gear. He was then given oxygen therapy and first aid.

Councillor Jean Heywood, portfolio holder for environment and transport said: "I was sorry to hear about this incident. We have these railings in place to prevent our public parks and gardens being damaged by a small minority of people, enabling us to ensure that these beautiful open spaces can continue to be enjoyed by the public."